I've been busily calling and emailing and scheduling, and we finally have our summer events lined up! Since our Funday Monday series was well-received last year, we're going with that schedule again for 2017. Join us as we "Read Nebraska Books" in honor of Nebraska (and Seward's) 150th birthdays. Our summer reading program features books by Nebraska authors or with Nebraska subjects, and we've lined up several Nebraska authors to join us at Chapters this summer. I'm also excited that we're including a Wisconsin author on the list, though she does have a Nebraska connection--she wrote one of the books on next year's Golden Sower nominee list. You'll get a sneak peek at that book this summer!
Highlights of our summer will include learning to juggle and perform with thumb puppets; partying with ninjas and a blobfish (yep, sounds fun, doesn't it?); eating pizza with an author of teen books from Omaha and picking her brain for writing advice; crafting with Rachel Pozehl; and more!
Please pre-register for our Funday Mondays, as space is limited. You can download the official registration form and brochure for our Funday Monday events on our website.
Here's the official schedule:
June 12, 11 a.m.-noon (Adults)
Nebraska author William Spradley will present on launching a writing career after age 70. He'll inspire you to quit saying "someday" and listen to your kids, who've been telling you to write those stories and memories and quit putting it off!
June 12, 1-2:30 p.m. (Ages 4-10)
Lincoln authors Tevin and Nichole Hansen bring an afternoon of fun. Kids can learn to juggle, make thumb puppets and act out their own shows that feature their thumbs in dramatic roles. We'll also have some story-reading, song-singing, and snack-making!
June 19, 1-2:30 p.m. (Ages 13-up)
Seward High School English teacher Melissa Pohl will lead a discussion of Panic by Sharon Draper. Draper is one of the authors who will be featured at the 2017 Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival. Her novel raises many relevant issues and should be a great source of discussion, for teens and their parents or other interested adults.
June 26, 1-2:30 p.m. (Ages 4-10)
Rachel Pozehl, the creative force behind Two Dog Pond, leads an afternoon of crafting for kids. We haven't figured out exactly what projects we'll be doing, but be assured, since it's Rachel, it will be cool!
June 26, 3:30-5:00 p.m. (Ages 10-up)
Rachel Pozehl will be back for a Zentangle workshop. If you're not familiar with Zentangle, you should come learn about it. If you've taken one of Rachel's workshops before, you should come learn new tangles and applications! $25 Fee and Pre-reqistration REQUIRED.
July 3, 10-11:30 a.m., signing to follow (Ages 4-10)
Meet TWO great picture book authors, Omahan Rebecca Gomez (she was here last year to read her book What About Moose? to area school kids) and Miranda Paul, whose book One Plastic Bag is on next year's Golden Sower Nominee list. Since Rebecca and Miranda both have books about ninjas, expect some ninja-related fun. Since Miranda's new book features a blobfish who throws a party, don't be surprised by some fun with unique sea animals, too!
July 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Adults)
The 4th is not a Monday, but it's definitely a Fun Day here in Seward. Take time, as you check out the other activities here in town, to meet Nebraska author Stephanie Grace Whitson, who writes inspirational historical fiction. She'll be at Chapters from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and will present a brief talk on her books and research at 11 a.m. Also on the 4th, Todd Williams, painter of the amazing paintings in the Legacy of Nebraska project for our state's 150th anniversary, will be here to sign copies of the book and talk about the project. He'll talk for a few minutes at noon, and then sign and answer questions until 2 p.m.
July 10, 5-7 p.m. (Ages 12-up)
Ever wanted to sit down with an author over pizza and learn from her experience? That's exactly what you'll get when author Tonya Kuper joins us for an informal dinner, followed by a writing workshop, topic to be determined by the participants' requests. Teens who enjoy her books are welcome, as are adults interested in writing for teens and children. Please pre-register so we know how much pizza to order!
July 17, 1-2:30 p.m. (Ages 4-up)
Like poetry? If so, come read and write and play with words with us as Poetry Grandma Charlene Neely leads us in a fun workshop. If not, come join us anyway, and we'll convert you to a poetry lover!
July 24, 1-2:30 p.m. (Ages 4-up)
We're celebrating Nebraska books this summer, in honor of Nebraska's 150th birthday. We'll pick a few of our favorites for various ages to highlight on this Funday Monday and enjoy reading them, making related crafts, and having snacks. We may even write our own books--by Nebraska authors.
July 31, 1-2:30 p.m. (Ages 4-up)
We'll end our Funday Mondays with a birthday party for our state and city, featuring--of course--games, birthday treats, and maybe even presents!
August 11, 1:00 p.m.
Again, it's not a Monday, but it will be a Fun Day, as Corduroy makes an appearance at the Seward County Fair for our annual storytime. Everyone is welcome.
